A clear start
A little guidance.Then back to your case.
Practical guides to document versions and cross-border reference preparation.
Getting started
Read general guidance about using DownloadPatent and preparing a reliable document workflow.
How credits work and when they expire
What credits pay for, how sign-up credits differ from credits you buy, which are used first, and when each expires.
Billing, plans and balance
What the Free and Monthly plans include, how Office Actions are counted, and what to check when a balance looks wrong.
Data confidentiality and document handling
What happens to an uploaded Office Action, how long files stay available, and how to ask for help without sharing confidential details.
When a document needs a second look
A number is not recognized
Check the country prefix, digits and kind code. Use the publication number when available. Not every local label or application format is supported.
A PDF cannot be retrieved
The source may not provide the file, the publication may be unavailable, or the number may resolve differently. Keep the successful files and check the reference manually.
No English counterpart is found
The original stays available. If a Google machine translation is available, use the external link to view it on Google Patents; it is not included in downloads.